Major League Soccer could be coming to Albany
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Albany might be joining the ranks of Major League Soccer. NEWS10 at a press conference Thursday when city leaders laid out their plans for a new $300 million, 8000 seat complex that would bring the sport to the Capital Region.
Mayor Sheehan said, “I have put the question out there to the universe why couldn't we have a major league soccer team here in the city of Albany?”
The universe answered that question and at the corner of Liberty Street and Hudson Avenue, just a few blocks from the MVP Arena, when the big plans were announced.
Ed Mitzen, Co-Founder of Business for Good said, “Where in the state should we host the boys and girls state soccer championships, If not in the Capital? So, we see this is a great economic opportunity. MLS is so pumped about this. It gives us all the reason to be optimistic.”
For Co-founders of Business for Good, Ed and Lisa Mitzen this is about much more than soccer. “We are excited because we see this as much more than just bring a sports team here it's about revitalizing a community renovating an area obviously if you pan around there's not a lot here it's parking lots and I really run down Greyhound bus station,” said Ed Mitzen.
Jeff Buell is one of the project’s backers and he says we’ll know in 9 months if the plan is secured. “We feel like we are on the right side of the swing with Major League Soccer. And that’s the why, for Major League Soccer,” said Buell.
He says that MLS is urban focused, and they love this site. “With a capital ‘L’ on the love. Those are their words and as the mayor said today, Major League Soccer is all in on Albany,” said Buell.
NEWS10 reporter James De La Fuente asked, “How long are we talking?”
Mitzen explained, “It’s an accelerated process. Because MLS is getting a lot of attention from a lot of different cities. So, we're hoping to get solidified with them in the next 90 to 120 days.”
And, if all goes well, the soccer field will be ready by the summer of 2026.